Brown Tips on Foxtail Palms

Foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) works as a houseplant or a landscape ornamental in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. It is a sturdy, problem-free tree that has few pest problems. Unfortunately, like many other palms, foxtail palm is a heavy feeder and often suffers from a range of nutritional deficiencies. A minor deficiency in iron, magnesium, potassium or manganese can result in brown leaf tips.

Frizzletop

Frizzletop is a condition common to foxtail palms, and is a result of a lack of manganese. The tips of existing leaves will often wither and die, and as the deficiency progresses, more of the leaf will wither. New leaves emerge with a yellowish discoloration or streaking. Unfortunately, frizzletop is nearly identical in appearance to symptoms of other nutritional deficiencies -- it is difficult to diagnose with certainty outside of laboratory settings.

Nutritents and pH

Alkaline soil pH binds many vital nutrients, making it difficult for foxtail palms to use them. Nutrients like iron, potassium, manganese and magnesium may be deficient in foxtail palms planted in soils with a pH above 7.0, though an older plant may be able to tolerate a single deficiency without showing symptoms. Manganese toxicity is also possible if your palm's soil is acidic. Test the soil pH before attempting to correct the brown tips on your palm. Low pH can be corrected with applications of lime. Correct high pH with sulfur-containing products such as aluminum sulfate, iron sulfate or elemental sulfur. Check soil pH yearly after adding amendments because the effects of sulfur or lime are usually temporary.

Supplementation

Foxtail palms with brown leaf tips that are growing in high pH soils often require extra care to thrive. Apply a manganese sulfate foliar spray mixed at a rate of 1/2 ounce per gallon to the affected tree to give it a short-term boost. An 8-2-12 fertilizer -- sometimes marketed as palm fertilizer -- should be applied once every two to three months at a rate based on the size of the foxtail palm. Never allow fertilizer to touch the palm tree's trunk, as this can cause significant burns.

After Care

Damaged leaves will never heal, but you should not remove them. Palms set new leaves slowly, so it could take many months for a foxtail palm with brown-tipped leaves to appear normal again. Regular feeding with the right fertilizer and proper cultural care will ensure that when new leaves do emerge, they are undamaged. You may prefer to simply replace a severely damaged palm, but if you are in no hurry, allowing the tree to recover with your help can be a rewarding experience.